[Study on preparation and properties of moisture permeable polyurethane membrane used for dressings]

A new hydrophilic polyurethane(PU) performed-polymer has been developed with polyethylene glycol(PEG) instead of general polyether. The solution of performed-polymer is poured casting a permeable membrane used for the outer layer of the bilayer dressings. The effects of molecular weigh (Mn) of PEG, the usage of cross-link agents, solvents and water in the solution on the moisture permeation of PU membrane have been studied. It has been shown that the membrane prepared is a porous moisture permeable membrane. The optimum conditions of preparing membrane are: Mn of PEG is 2,000-4,000, the mixture of acetone and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is used as solvents, and the temperature of performance membrane is 50 degrees C-80 degrees C. The moisture permeability of the PU membrane is 49-60 g/m2.h at 35 degrees C, which can meet the requirement of the wound dressings. In addition, the mechanism of the moisture permeation of PU membrane has been discussed.